Luxury vehicles provide an unmatched experience for drivers. Their large glass panels, premium materials, and advanced tech make you want to stay in the car as long as possible. More Americans are getting on board, too. The Tesla Model Y was among the top 10 best-selling vehicles in 2022, with an estimated 252,000 units sold.
However, luxury vehicles are expensive, which means they can be costly to insure. For example, full coverage on the BMW 330i costs an average of $2,513 per year. Meanwhile, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in the United States is $2,014. That’s a price premium of $499 just to insure your luxury vehicle.
What is luxury car insurance?
A luxury car is one that has higher levels of amenities, comfort, quality or performance compared to a regular vehicle. Exotic cars are a type of luxury car with a focus on speed and performance. An example of a luxury car is a Jaguar F-Type with a base price of $71,300 while an exotic car example is the Ferrari 812-Superfast with a starting price of $433,765.
If you are insuring a luxury car, expect to pay more for insurance than you would for a standard car. Since luxury cars are generally more expensive than standard vehicles, insurance costs are also higher. If your luxury car is damaged, the costs for replacement parts, repairs and labor could be significantly higher than for lower-end vehicles. Although you may be able to obtain insurance with a standard insurance company, depending on the type of vehicle you have, you may need to seek coverage with a company dedicated to insuring high-end vehicles.
Luxury car insurance coverages
If you own a luxury car, you must carry at least the minimum required insurance coverage limits in your state, just like if you are insuring a standard vehicle. You may want to consider the following car insurance coverages for your luxury car:
- Liability coverage: Since luxury cars are more expensive than standard vehicles, you may have more assets to protect. Carrying higher liability limits can further protect you financially in the event of an at-fault accident.
- Medical payments coverage: This coverage pays the medical bills for you and your passengers if you are injured in an accident, regardless of who is at fault. If you live in a no-fault state, you may need to purchase personal injury protection coverage instead of medical payments coverage.
- Collision coverage: If you are involved in an accident and your luxury car is damaged, collision coverage may pay for the damages to your car after you pay your deductible. This is also the coverage that could pay for the value of your vehicle if it is totaled.
- Comprehensive coverage: This coverage pays claims for broken vehicle glass, theft, vandalism, weather damage and damage caused by striking an animal. It is sometimes called “other-than-collision coverage.”
- Gap insurance: If you finance or lease your luxury car, you might want to consider gap insurance. This pays the difference between the vehicle’s actual cash value and the loan amount.
You may also want to check with your insurance agent to see if your company might use aftermarket parts for repairs. If so, some car insurance companies offer original parts coverage, sometimes called “OEM coverage,” for an additional cost. This coverage means that replacement parts used on your luxury vehicle are original manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket parts.
Exotic car insurance coverages
Exotic vehicles are luxury cars with a focus on speed and performance. If you own an exotic car, just like if you own a luxury car, you have to maintain at least your state’s minimum liability limits. Because exotic cars often have high horsepower and speed capabilities, you may need to seek out specialty auto or collector car insurance for a better selection of specific coverages, such as:
- Agreed value coverage: With this coverage, both you and the insurance company agree to the value of your vehicle. If your vehicle is damaged, your insurer will pay up to the agreed-upon value.
- Automobilia coverage: If you own an exotic car, you may also own valuable collectibles from the manufacturer. Some specialty car companies offer coverage for your license plates, literature, hood ornaments, signs, displays and other automobilia.
- Tools coverage: If you have personal tools used to maintain your exotic car, you may want to cover them under your auto insurance policy. If your company offers it, this option provides coverage for accessories, storage cabinets, toolboxes and tools. Normally these items are covered under your homeowners insurance with a separate, and often higher, deductible than what may be on your auto insurance policy.
Exotic car owners may also consider comprehensive, collision, medical payments or personal injury protection, OEM coverage and gap insurance. Just like luxury car owners, you may also want to consider higher liability limits to further protect your assets in the event of an at-fault accident.
How to save on luxury and exotic car insurance
Insuring luxury and exotic cars can cost substantially more than insuring a basic vehicle for a few reasons. First, flagship luxury sedans cost close to $100,000, on average. If your luxury vehicle is damaged or totaled, your insurer will have to pay a large sum to fix or replace it. Second, your risk profile affects your insurance rates. Since luxury and exotic vehicles are known for speed, an insurance company might perceive their owners as more prone to risky driving.
While luxury and exotic cars cost more to insure than standard cars, there are still ways to save.
Take advantage of discounts
Most insurance companies offer discounts that can help you control your car insurance premiums. Anti-theft measures like VIN etching on your windows, a car alarm or storing your vehicle in a locked garage could qualify you for a discount. Safety features such as anti-lock brakes, airbags, daytime running lights and electronic stability control could similarly reduce your premium. Taking advantage of as many discounts as you can could reduce the cost of your car insurance.
Store your vehicle in the off-season
If your car will be kept in a garage and not driven for a length of time, you may be able to save money by removing certain coverages. You will need to check with your insurance provider to confirm that you are still meeting your state’s insurance requirements. If you have a loan or lease, you may also want to check with your financial institution to ensure that you carry the coverages they require.
Frequently asked questions
- What is the best luxury car insurance company?The best car insurance company for luxury cars will depend on your specific needs. The company that is best for you will have the coverages, discounts and features that you are looking for. Getting quotes from multiple companies and comparing them can help you determine the right company for your needs.
- How much more is insurance for a luxury car?Many factors influence the cost of car insurance, including the vehicle value, repair costs, theft risk and the profile of the driver. While not all these factors are related to the car, the costs associated with luxury cars tend to be higher. As a result, you may pay several hundred dollars more per year to insure a luxury vehicle.
- How can I get the cheapest rates for luxury and exotic car insurance?Although car insurance for luxury and exotic cars is more expensive than insurance for standard cars, there are ways to save. You may be able to save money on your car insurance premiums by shopping around and comparing quotes, keeping a clean driving record and taking advantage of discounts.
- Will a speeding ticket affect my luxury car insurance premium?Insurance providers typically see a speeding ticket as an indication that you are a higher-risk driver. As a result, you will likely be charged a higher insurance premium. On average, drivers’ car insurance premium increases by 23% after a speeding ticket.
- How much insurance do I need for my luxury vehicle?How much car insurance you need depends on several factors. For example, the value of the vehicle, your driving habits and lease or finance requirements all influence the amount of insurance you need. In addition, each state has minimum liability requirements.Insurance experts generally recommend more than the minimum to protect your finances in case of an accident. However, you may want to discuss your needs with an insurance agent or broker and shop around to ensure you are getting the best rates.
Source : MSN
